Peace, investment drive qualify Oyebanji for second term — Tinubu’s ex-aide

A former Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on National Assembly Matters, Ibrahim Olarewaju, has declared that Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State deserves a second term in office.

Olarewaju cited the peace, infrastructure development, and investment drive that have characterised his administration.

Olarewaju, an APC chieftain and former member of the House of Representatives who is seeking a return ticket to the National Assembly, spoke in a chat in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday, saying the governor merited widespread support for transforming the state’s political atmosphere.

“If there is anything more than a second term, Oyebanji deserves it. Before now, by this time when the election is about two months away, it would have been news of violence and attacks. But Oyebanji has succeeded in giving us peace in Ekiti State — building bridges across party lines. People want to live, work and invest in a place where there is peace. When there is peace, business can thrive, people can succeed,” he said.

He pointed to ongoing and completed infrastructure projects as evidence of the dividends of the peaceful environment the governor had created.

“Look at the massive infrastructures — completed and ongoing in the state. Peace is at the background of the unprecedented development and investments that Ekiti is witnessing now. The fact that you can sleep with your two eyes closed is enough reason to support Oyebanji for a second term. Let us encourage the governor with our support,” Olarewaju said.

The former presidential aide also spoke on his own political ambition, saying he resigned his appointment as Special Assistant to the President in response to calls from his constituents to return to the House of Representatives.

“When I was in the House of Representatives, I stood firmly for my constituents, I brought succour to the needy and made our people smile once again and the name of Ido/Osi, Moba, Ilejemeje Federal Constituency continuously rang a bell in the hallowed chamber,” he said.

He described good representation as the most critical of the three duties of a parliamentarian — representation, lawmaking, and oversight.

“My people knew that I was there in truth and in spirit. I was not an absentee parliamentarian; I was always there, performed the duty and reported back. I can tell you my people are missing these,” he said.

Olarewaju said his return bid through the 2027 election was aimed at giving his constituents a lift and continuing from where he stopped.

“My constituents are peasant people, traders, artisans and my target is to grow them, get federal presence to the constituency and ensure improvement for the constituents and the constituency,” he said.